Cranberry Beans – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are cranberry beans?

Cranberry beans are a common white bean named for their cranberry-colored splotches. They are sometimes called Roman beans, Saluggia beans, Gadhra beans, or Rosecoco beans. In Italy, they are specifically called the Borlotti bean.

The unshelled beans look similar to pinto beans but have a slightly milder taste. Their taste has been described as creamy and flavorful and is particularly delicious when tossed with herbs. Fresh cranberry beans tend to lose their red splotches when cooked and turn a dark color that can range from brown to magenta, depending on their freshness.

You can use cranberry beans in chilis, soups, and baked beans, but you can also use them as an addition to pastas and salads.

Where did cranberry beans originate from?

Cranberry beans were originally grown in Columbia, but they have become particularly popular in Italy, specifically Tuscany. They can now be found in many Italian and Portuguese dishes. Today, the beans are commonly used in the bean and pasta soup known as Pasta E Fagioli. They’re also served with other vegetables as a side dish.

What is the nutritional value of cranberry beans?

A cup of cooked cranberry beans is about 240 calories and has substantial protein, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals.

Cranberry beans rank among the highest cooked beans in protein content with 16.5 grams, sitting just under lentils and soybeans. This makes them an extremely versatile high-protein snack or side dish for people who want to boost their protein intake,

They are also high in fiber, containing more than 20% of the daily recommended value.

Beans also contain phytonutrients that may have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and some cancers.

How are cranberry beans grown?

Cranberry beans are considered an easy-to-grow plant. They are typically sewn from the end of April to the beginning of May since the plant develops best in higher temperatures and does not tolerate frost well. The soil temperature should be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit or more for cranberry beans to cultivate successfully.

The cranberry beans you see in the store are harvested from a stalk that can reach up to 6ft high. They are sometimes planted against a traditional trellis for support.

Recently, farmers developed a new variant of the cranberry bean called Crimson. This varietal was developed to be disease-resistant.

When are cranberry beans in season?

Cranberry beans do not tolerate frost. As a result, fresh cranberry beans are typically only available in the late summer and fall. Dried cranberry beans are available year-round.

How do you pick cranberry beans at the grocery store?

You’ll need to visit the fresh vegetable section of your supermarket. Recently harvested beans will be shiny, bright, and evenly colored. They will also have a smooth texture and feel to them. You will want to look for full pods that have not begun to wilt.

Want to get fresh cranberry beans with same-day delivery? Use Instacart and add an item to your order. Don’t forget to hit “Instructions” and give your shopper information about how to pick out your beans and what substitutions you’ll accept. Then have your fresh produce delivered to your door the same day. Shop cranberry beans. 

How to store cranberry beans

You can store your newly purchased fresh cranberry beans for 3 to 4 days. They should be placed in a plastic bag or a shallow airtight container and kept in the fridge for the best shelf life.

If you dry your beans, they should be stored in an airtight container and cooked within 6 months. While these beans are technically good indefinitely, they will lose moisture as they sit. As a result, older beans will take longer to cook and fall apart more easily when handled with kitchen utensils.

After cooking, refrigerate your beans for up to 5 days as long as they are in an airtight container. They do not do well at room temperature and should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours.

If you want to get more longevity out of your fresh cranberry beans, freeze them in airtight freezer bags for up to 6 months. If you decide to try this method, we recommend working in small amounts, so they defrost more easily. Just take a bag out of the freezer any time you want to add them to a dish.

How to tell if cranberry beans are bad

You will be able to tell if your cranberry beans are bad by sight, smell, or touch. If your fresh cranberry beans develop an odor, feel wrinkled, or are moldy, discard them. Touch the beans and see if they feel leathery to the touch.

If you have dried beans that you’ve been saving, then you may see pests in the container. This is a sign that the beans have lost their moisture and should be discarded.

What can I substitute for cranberry beans?

Many other beans will work in place of cranberry beans. Tongue of Fire beans, which have a similar appearance with flame-like streaks, may be your closest match. Or, if you need something more readily available, you can use cannellini or red and pink kidney beans.

Cranberry beans are sometimes mistaken as pinto beans at first glance, and they actually make for a decent substitute. Keep in mind that they tend to have more flavor and be a bit meatier than cranberry beans.

How can I order cranberry beans near me?

Want cranberry beans in your next food delivery? Include them in your next Instacart order. Make sure to include notes for your shopper so that you can get the best substitutions and matches. When your fresh or dried cranberry beans are delivered, you will be on your way to delicious soups and salads with a high-protein, high-fiber ingredient.

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